SW108 KIBOKO 4: Performance and Elegance in a 35.5m Sailing Yacht

Nauta shared the design work of Southern Wind’s KIBOKO 4, the second 35.51-metre SW108 sailing yacht, a combination of performance, elegance and innovation.

KIBOKO 4 follows in the footsteps of her predecessor, GELLICEAUX, that showed all her racing potential by winning the first two regattas she participated to in 2024, the St Barths Bucket (both overall and in her division) and the Ibiza JoySail (Performance Cruising L division).

She has also just won the World Superyacht Awards organized and held by Boat International in Venice, in the “Sailing Yacht of the Year” category.

The Owner’s design brief focused on optimising the sailing experience, achieving faster passage-making, superior handling and exceptional comfort – whether racing in superyacht regattas or cruising in Mediterranean waters. With naval architecture by Farr Yacht Design, Nauta’s input provided a stunning example of how thoughtful and refined design can elevate both aesthetic appeal and lifestyle quality.

“We wanted to create something that embodies the owner’s vision of blending performance with beauty, all while offering the versatility required for both thrilling regatta sailing and serene cruising,” says Nauta CEO Massimo Gino. “The result is a yacht that feels at home in any setting, be it racing or anchored in a quiet bay.”

Clean and dynamic

The exterior design embodies Nauta’s signature GT style developed for Southern Wind ­– clean, modern lines with a dynamic and refined look. The deck design allows easy guest and crew circulation from the helm to the companionways while staying within the protection of the coamings. The guest cockpit features C-shaped settees on both sides for dining and relaxing under the bimini and sprayhood, and is connected to the interior by a wide companionway that is protected by well-proportioned coamings. The aft side of the wooden flush deck morphs into ‘floating’ bench seats that also provide a handy platform for winches.

A defining exterior detail is the composite aft tail of the coach roof that recalls a stylized lightning bolt and provides the yacht with a low-rise, agile look when viewed in profile.

The dark hull and mast are contrasted with a light grey superstructure, enhancing her striking presence while reflecting the yacht’s performance-driven character. The opening transom reveals a tender garage for agenerous 5-metre dinghy and transforms into a beach club, offering an unrivalled experience on the water.

KIBOKO 4 also features an environmentally-conscious deck made from natural wood sourced from sustainable forests, providing both durability and alignment with the owner’s commitment to sustainability.

Contemporary comfort

Inside, the owners wanted a contemporary and marine-inspired aesthetic with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Nauta responded with an interior concept that combines thoughtful natural lighting, rich material contrasts and refined detailing.

“The interior reflects a light, airy Mediterranean ambiance, with natural materials that enhance the yacht’s overall design philosophy,” says Gino. “We focused on creating a space that feels both modern and timeless, offering an environment that invites relaxation and enjoyment.”

Generous hull windows – especially in the saloon, which also includes a large skylight – fill the interior with natural light. The material palette is based on a combination of warm, complementary tones.

Light oak is used extensively as dominant wood for furniture bases, some of the bulkheads and the vertical surfaces, doors and bed frames.

Gentle touches of darker walnut are used to define specific functions and create more visual movement for the dining table and detailing throughout the saloon and cabins.

White, silicon fabric ceilings and linen-like fabric wall panels add softness, while desaturated light oak floors brighten the space. Additional warmth is introduced through handcrafted Mallorcan upholstery, leather and eco-leather inlays on selected furniture, and soft fabrics for bed and sofa bases.

In the bathrooms, bulkheads and panels are finished with warm coloured stucco, the countertops are in veined Corian and a touch of character is added by a unique mix of copper and stainless-steel hardware – a personal touch by the owner’s lady.

A carefully designed lighting plan enhances the textures and materials of the interior. Focused wall and niche spotlights highlight key architectural elements and artworks, further enhancing the general feeling of warmth and coziness under deck.

The layout comprises four ensuite cabins for owners and guests, with the owner’s suite located forward for maximum privacy and quiet, alongside three crew cabins and two heads. 

The result is a sophisticated, elegant environment that blends style, comfort, and seafaring authenticity.

SW108 KIBOKO 4 Short Specs